How To Set Up a Plein Air Summer Series "Slices Of Red - Awakenings"

As this Series continues, this sharing of  'how to- set up', are from the NEW Techniques explored on the first dozen.

"Slices...I-XI" the first eleven in the morning series...

 
 Slices Of Red - Awakenings Plein Air Oil Painting Series, 

in effect, came about from a colliding of circumstances and working them together for the good.

Slices...XII by Karen Ann Hitt

One Collision in working Art Studio.. can you say boxes?!?

When you have this going on at your art studio! After math of relocating from a home you had lived in the last 21 years, moving into a condo (zero painting room), with all art supplies being moved to the Art Studio or storage, 

and you have a quote like this one written literally on the side of your working art studio wall... 

click on images to enlarge

You find a way to keep the inspirations working.  Besides, when an artist is stressed out, the BEST thing that they can do is find a place and way to PAINT.

I just returned from "Paint Camp" Eric Rhoades, Plein Air Magazines Publishers Invitational in the Adirondacks. And because of all going on, this was my first year out of four flying to it instead of taking my own vehicle.  That was a challenge for me getting all of my art supplies to fit into ONE SUITCASE.  Are you kidding me?  There are professionals out there that are MASTERS at it.  I, am not that Artist- but I did overcome and accomplish it - with a LOT of help from my friends.

High Falls, NY; my painting on the left, Erik Koeppel, right.

#PaintCamps beloved spot

This one of the paintings painted on that trip.








Next The Adirondacks painted by Homer,



Thanks to Eric, recommending it as a place to visit; Clark Museum of Art, flying out of Albany the next morn,  just before returning home.  Can you say all warmed up, and  INSPIRED TO PAINT






First Big technical difficulty, No paint room INSIDE the new place. No solvents etc. allowed in this closed in space. Besides, that is what the Art Studio is for. You saw what that was looking like, and frankly 21 years takes time to sort through... Alas, the inspirations also keep rolling through.
Leading up to the  
Second detail, this new place is literally up in the sky and the summer skies are absolutely amazing daily- there is no way that i can just be distracted by them and NOT find a way to paint them.  So, that is what i did. Inspiration Abounds. Plan- Paint, simple. Oh, and of course a great big Thank YOU God!
WITHOUT ADDING ANY MORE PRESSURE OR STRESS TO THE ENDEAVOR than all the other details at hand.
The original plan still continues: grow as an artist to meet the next season in life.
Who knew all the new that was ahead for this season.  So, grow, press on, working within the details at hand (Click on link if you would like tmi details).

• How am i going to paint at the new condo with minimal and non toxic supplies here? 

That is where things really started working toward the good, by believe it or not being simplified! 

If you scroll down to other entries on this blog, you will find my out and about plein air supply list.  It is still relevant.  BUT, it has been significantly downsized-- so we shall say:

Micro Strada loaded and in freezer

Soltek loaded too

Here is how I resolved things:

Soltek

Insert the distraction...

and the tools

AND the results so far:

 

 

 So how to do with no Gamsol, No Mineral Spirits, etc. 

M.Graham Alkyd Walnut Oil Medium

My supplies:
1. M. Graham (main paints)[Walnut Seed Based]
2. Rosemary & Co. Brushes
3. Alkyd Walnut Oil Medium
4. Gamblin Solvent Free Gel
5. Palette knives
6. Paint Panels/Linen
7. Easel Brush Clip
8. Murphy's Oil Soap
9. Ziplock Bag / Paper Towels

This how rigged things up on our new balcony. Then, when cleaning up, Paper towels, Murphy's Oil Soap, Ziplock Bag
 

• I still start with toning my linen canvas. I use to use something like Liquin, or Gaklyd.  After this adventure. No more! and YAY!  I now simply put some of the Walnut Oil/Alkyd on the paper towel, then a dab of transparent Iron Red Oxide. And tone my canvas as always did.  I do this first thing when I go out to set up, just before the dawn.  It drys enough for the painting process by the time I get set up. 
• That is usually when I finish setting up (make coffee :) ). The reason I have my Soltek Easel, its my least used travel Plein Air Easel.  It is also the best easel for the wind.  We can get some pretty serious gust up here, I do not have my usual back pack and all my supplies to weight anything down.  I also put a table cloth under neath everything, just in case a brush should fall.  Alot of what I am sharing with you is obviously NOT rocket science -- and i do not claim to be a know it all.  These are simply some of the simplified materials I use up here.  And to be honest, I think that I may try this edit on my next out and about too.
• Painting the skies, involves having to paint very quickly. Painting the Sunrises, at least here with our summer skies, every morning there is a rainbow effect to the layering of colors from horizon to the zenith. This is usually achieved with palette knives and then blending for a smooth transition with various feather like brushes.  (Did I mention that I love my Rosemary & Co. Brushes?)  This view, all changes so quickly.  You can't chase the light either, because it is so radically different from moment to moment. I want to interject here, personally, before painting this series, each morning when I rose for my quiet time, I was distracted away to watching the effects of the sun rise... again and again and again.  SO, though no two are ever a like, you start realizing the different effects to be looking for, and how to capture them very quickly.
• Once the underpainting of the various colors of the overall sky are laid in, it is usually now just minutes from the sun actually rising.  THIS is to me, the most beautiful time of the day. ALL THE COLOR EXPLODES JUST BEFORE THE SUN RISE... then, the sun, in the summer is often the red ball, sending out sparks above it.  All i can say is, get out there and watch it if you can. Its awe.
• And that explosion of color is your next mad dash to capture. whisking your hands with palette knives and brushes seeking to reflect literally the movement of wisps is the sky. Clouds don't tend to sit still for you any better than a two year old.  You capture that movement, and predict and prepare for the timing of which level of burst you want to capture. You softly move your brush over the  under painting of the skies effects.
• A picture paints a thousand words.  These plein air paintings are all tools for the studio paintings that will follow.  What i am painting each morning the camera simply can not pick up the colors, or the light.  They simply MUST be painted!  As you look through these 12, you can see just how much each day differs.  I also tried to capture a variety of times in the sunrises too.  Many before the sun, or one emphasizes the moon setting.
• While in the painting process, to clean brushes while painting, I simply used paper towels to wipe off access paint. Or a fresh new fresh...!
• And when its time to clean up: ALL I need is a ziplock bag and my murphy;s oil soap! I have even forgotten my brushes over night! When I come in the predawn hour and see them, it is a breeze to simply pull them out one by one and walla good as new, sharp as swords, and ready to reflect wisp with you

  

  Beginning the underpainting

  

  and Rosemary, back to as good as new.,, in spite of me

  
  
  

.

Part II: How to make your own Painters Paradise

"Painter's Paradise" Part II: You be the Judge... who knew how much life would change... 
"How To's" post, sharing a bit of what i have learned along the way on the 3 year journey to grow as an artist to meet the next season in life! With that said, I make no claim to be an expert; simply sharing what have learned along this journey.  What works for me and yes, what doesn't 

Starting first with the right tools. Here is this artist list.  My Painting "Painter's Paradise" surrounded by a few of them. First share, Part II:
1. Rosemary & Co. Brushes.  I am not just saying this, they seriously have enhanced my ability to paint tenfold.  Everyone has their favorite brushes.  These are mine.  Look at "Painters Paradise" here, I layed certain brushes in places that I might have applied their use.  Another key, that i ALWAYS say to students, I do NOT want to look at your painting and know exactly what brush you used to paint it... they are TOOLS not crutches.  A good brush frees you up to paint. Every brush picture shared here, is a Rosemary & Co. Brush.



THIS is a NEW, I haven't tried this Rosemary &Co. new line yet, but asap i am going to! Its a synthetic, that I think will be affordable, especially for the beginner.  NOTHING can replace having proper tools.  Painting is hard enough without working against yourself, by not giving yourself every available advantage.  This spoken by a single mom, who has had to make every penny count.  I learned years ago, the investment goes further buying the best you can afford, verses saving pennies on cheap replacements for the best.

Ivory Long Flats

Masters Series 279 Long Flats

These two pictures of brushes, are the two main brushes that i currently use.  If your budget needs to edit, this may be your answer. 
These fan brushes pictured below are very useful, especially for me with my sky work, or mist in water; read their caption.

Fan Brushes are a tool,

not a vice.

the six pictures above show two other types of brushes that i like to use.  To the left are angles at different degrees.  They work for edges, and also i use the sword and the daggers for foliage and grasses a lot.  Prices are very very reasonable on all of these.  The pointed, round brushes are a long time staple.  What I love about the red sable rounds, is that I use them for both my oils, and my watercolor painting.  The long riggers are excellent where a palette knife doesn't do the trick.  Again, see the painting pictures shared to give you an idea of how apply these favorite brushes to my painting processes.  These are just my suggestions, in my humble opinion.  

"Painters Paradise" and Rosemary & Co. Brushes

  excited about another in the works.. sets hope to be adding at "An Original Hitt - K Hitt - Fine Art & Atelier" 230 Ponce de Leon Ave. Venice FL 34285
 

This next picture is one of my greatest honors on this journey, when Symi, with Rosemary &

Karen Ann Hitt & new patron Symi Jackson with Rosemary & Co. Brushes

Co. Brushes chose to surprise me at the Lighthouse Paint Out by purchasing my little painting anonymously... and keeping her being my newest patron a surprise until the last night!  Exceedingly more than i could ever hope for or imagine keeps meeting me along the way.  A lot of thank you's, especially a great big thank YOU God.  See you at the next... "The Journey IS our destination" Part III   


Part III I will get into a few more of my favorite things that make my work easier and what I have learned with all these miles traveled, from personal experience, friends, peers, muses... along the way.  There are a LOT of great resources out there. These shares,  are but a few of the possibilities.  Learning more everyday.  Stay tuned for part III where begin to break down more of this list, as we all get ready for back to school. 

2. Guerrilla Brush carrier
3. Strada Easel
4. M. Graham Walnut Seed Oil Paints
5. Shade Buddy Umbrella
6. Tripod
7. Car Window Shade Screen
8. Back Pack
(misc. bungy cords, clamps, etc.)
9.Bug & Sun Stuff
10. Sunscreen Shirts
11. Smart Wool Socks
(Out Door Studio)
12.Screened Gazebo
13. stool
14. Easel ( for larger panels)
15. Stan Rite Portable Easel
16. outdoor mat
17. portable Table
18. Raymar Panel Carrier
19, Revelite EL light
Speaking of Back To School, here is my list 
Workshop & Classes to date.  
This too will be updated by part III.  Until our next!

You be the Judge... who knew how much life would change...

Part I: Update and a sharing of the tools behind a "Painters Paradise" and a NEW Season in Life...

The Flume "Painters Paradise" by Karen Ann Hitt

Karen Ann Hitt Painting The Flume

 Photograph by Turner Vision for Plein Air Magazine

Eric Rhoads, Publisher of Plein Air Magazine and Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine, hosts  #PaintCamp once a year in upstate NY Adirondack region each June.  This year we were even there right when the escape convicts were on the loose!  Nothing could steal the JOY of 100-ish artist gathering to PAINT en Plein Air where the number one rule is "NO DRAMA" We managed to stick to that rule, accept when it exploded into the sky! 

Adirondacks Drama II by Karen Ann Hitt, Plein Air Oil

Third Year has begun on my committed plan to grow as an artist to meet the next season in life,  as of April 2015.  Right after my One Women exhibit "At That Moment..." (two years and 21,000+ solo miles cris-crossing the USA in its making) wrapped up, that third year began.

Its been quite the journey!  And who knew it would be a new beginning instead of a wrap up! The jest in April 2013 "Youngest turned 22 and momma took a road trip, a really big one!" 21,000+ solo miles, 70+ Paintings for a One Women Exhibit later...

A desire to paint "Boundless" that inspired a gift that has just kept on giving...
"Exceedingly more than I could hope for or imagine" while seeking to "Put this (gift)... to work" as the Red letter counsel inspired me to do.  

Boundless, 48x60" oil, at a new roost, testing its fit

Karen Ann with her 83year old mom, solo exhibit opening

 Ponce de Leon- Miracle Studio

Grace Love Fellowship Tour - Miracle Trip

When I returned to my home in Sept of 2013, from my 21,000 plus mile journey that felt like a miracle gift in itself,  another dear friend and her husband had me in mind for another miracle blessing to bestow upon me; a working Art studio that they originally had for a family member. They decided it would be well served with me inhabiting it.  When I shared that I loved the space, but that there was no way that I could take on anymore debt, they shared--- don't worry about it, we already paid for EVERYTHING!  Who, i ask who does that happen for?  Perhaps this is all too much information, but I think its important to share that by gifts, well beyond what ever deserved, it has given me a second and third chance at my art career beyond 17 hard years of single parenthood.

This third year the year to put into practice every professional avenue made available to me, by working hard, continuing learning processes, and continuing leaps of faith. 

Who knew what would come from simply leaping out, working hard with the means supplied, and keeping the faith. Much HARD WORK remains ahead on this three year plot, that in reality is a journey for life.  Growing, is a key indeed, to well, just that-- growing.
This year in my original plan, was to be the year that I paint the many people that to this artist were indeed Angels here on earth; and to also paint studio paintings with the focus on applying all learned across the miles into paintings to use as entries for competitions, and gallery inquiry.   Two professional application of my painting career, that I have been waiting until it was felt the quality could at least measure up to the hopes. Continually challenging myself with new subjects while applying learned techniques from workshops and demos of peers and muses. Growing, underlines still and HUMBLING defines any artist's pursuits.  So with that in mind, I am right in line.

A professional nationally exhibiting artist and fine art instructor, yet also a growing artist, building an inventory.  Its amazing what all has changed in this past 3 years and especially this past year. 

I went from touring the country for over 5 months camping out of my Trusty Steed of a Tahoe... yes, for the most part living out of it.  When I really needed to soak my toes in a nice hot tub, a beautiful B&B along the way, was where I would stay. Often I found myself blessed with them wanting me to stay on longer- so my budget of only a day or two, turned into a painting barter for a week or so stay. Some places I still have a balance even.  So, i went from camping IN my Trusty Steed of a Tahoe to....

 

You can see my Tahoe here at Zion, with my tent gazebo... this pretty much how I traveled the country solo, en plein air, my comfy bed in the Tahoe.  I actually felt safer that way, with my feather blanket, and feather pillow for my head...

...well, not!

my trusty steed learned to trust,
and it got hitched! Um, me TOO and WE are now on our #USAHoneymoon making our new road map!

I've HITT the road again.  This time I am on a #USAHoneymoon with my love and yes, my new husband.  Funny, we both had prayed a prayer accepting God's obvious plan of being alone in life.  Then bamn --we met.  We kept our relationship dedicated to God's call on our hearts and honoring of His ways.  Something foreign to most at our stages in life; 7 months later God turned our 7 into a first for both of us, as we married with just our immediate family around. 

Some of his attractions to me is my faith, aesthetic passions and my passion for traveling.  He admired my road map :0) that little jaunt that i took.  Well NOW we are on one of our own.  Married in May.  The first painting i painted as "Mrs." Just so happens was done for my church, The Bridge Church in Venice Florida.  Here is a link to that; P23 I delivered it, on a wednesday, and we were off on our #USAHoneymoon tour right after church on that Sunday in May 2015, and we are there still today.


Finding a wifi to update my blog and websites the challenge for the day.  This my last painting painted, "Superior's Towers" my first midwest grain elevators.

Along with this is a link to my updated Workshop/Classes page, and also a sharing of some of my favorite tools too...
stay tuned for my Rosemary Brushes supply list, STRADA mini, tripod, and other tricks of the plein air trade that i have learned along the way; along with how to set up a outdoor art studio too.  This truly is a working #USAHoneymoon, but we didn't forget to live outloud also that "The Journey IS our destination"

That remains where I began, and also where I have landed.  I feel all has grown my painting ability as hoped, and awakened me also to how much more there is to do.
If you would like to follow along on the journey, request to be my facebook friend, and also check back here or join here too.  I am excited to share my class offerings, adding some NEW WORKSHOPS this year, and soon a kit of supplies too.... stay tuned.  I remain humbled and honored to be a part... Part II: The tools used and how to apply posting next week.